A Guide To Diamond Head, Honolulu

Things to do / Highlights

Hitch a hike

Going on a hike to Diamond Head is probably the most famous activity to do around here. Just follow the other visitors and you’ll find your way to the trailhead. The route begins at Diamond Head State Monument parking lot and starts off on a rather rocky and uneven note until the crater wall, after which it is largely well-paved. The hike to the summit can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours or more depending on your speed. Remember that a narrow tunnel will fall along the route and from here you can head up in two directions - up the stairs to the right, which is a slightly more challenging route, or to the left, which is a longer but less strenuous trail.

Make stops along the hike to admire the views

While you’re hiking, be watchful of the path but don’t forget to look up and enjoy the drop-dead gorgeous views. There are several lookouts along the hiking trail. And, once you’ve reached the summit, the sensational views are totally worth it - a carpet of greenery blending into an expanse of ocean waters in varying shades of blue, plus beaches, a lighthouse, and all of Oʻahu! Look to your east and you will see Koko Head leading to the curve of Leeward Coast to your west.

Relish gorgeous views minus the hike

Don’t worry about not being able to catch superb views if you’re not a fan of hiking. Kahala Lookout is just by the crater entrance, near the parking lot, and offers some awesome views of the Kahala area and an unobstructed view of the ocean. Keep your cameras ready for hundreds of Instagram-worthy shots.

What to eat

Refreshment stand

To the right of Diamond Head Visitor Center is a stand that sells refreshments and snacks. This is usually crowded with hungry hikers on their way back from a climb. Gorge on pieces of freshly cut pineapple or Hawaii’s famous shaved ice. Else, energize yourself by sipping on some smoothies or enjoying other cold drinks.

KCC Farmers' Market

If you happen to head for the hike on a Tuesday or Saturday, KCC Farmers’ Market is held right outside Kapi'olani Community College, across the street from the trail entrance. Swing by and try local fresh fruits, dry fruits, and nuts that are sold here. You’ll even find some not-so-local stuff to eat. It is set up from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesdays and 7:30 am to 11 am on Saturdays.

Things to buy

You’ll find plenty of stuff to buy and take back home from here. Diamond Head Visitor Center, located near the crater’s entrance, sells a variety of items such as bags, hats/caps, glasses and mugs, keychains. You’ll even find t-shirts that proudly proclaim “I hiked Diamond Head” and Pacific Historic Parks’ personalized certificates that attests to your hike to the summit.

Travellers tips

Start early

Diamond Head Trail is outdoors, for the most part, so starting your hike as early as possible is a good idea to beat the heat as well as crowds. We’d recommend starting before 10 am.

Maintain safety

While the trail route is largely well maintained, it is quite uneven in some areas. Wear proper footwear and be careful at all times. Also, do not attempt to climb the lava walls or meddle with lava rocks. These are brittle and may break easily and can hurt you or other hikers.

Carry cash

Remember that the ticketing counter only accepts cash for purchasing admission tickets and even to pay for the parking lot, should you need to use it. So be sure to carry some cash and don’t rely on electronic means entirely!

Be prepared for the hike

The hiking trail is open-air, so it’s best you carry essentials to beat the heat: wear shades and caps or hats. And, most importantly, bring water! You’ll not find water fountains or bottles to buy after the entrance, so carry your own.

How to get there

Bus

Perhaps the cheapest and most feasible means of getting there. There are plenty of bus services with Diamond Head as one of the stops. All you need to do is alight at Stop no. 4538 at Kapi'olani Community College or Stop no. 4591 at Diamond Head Road. It’s a short walk to the entrance from both these stops.

Pro tip: Oʻahu Bus Service runs an online service that shows you the closest and quickest bus route you can take from wherever you are. Just download DaBus2 app on your mobile phone and travel around like a pro!

Car

Diamond Head is a mere 15-minute drive from Honolulu’s Waikiki neighbourhood. Just follow Monsarrat Avenue and drive past Honolulu Zoo until it goes uphill and merges with Diamond Head Road.

Shuttle

Several hotels offer in-house shuttle or trolley services to Diamond Head. Check with your hotel’s front desk if they offer this service.

Parking information

There is a designated Diamond Head Crater Parking lot. However, it has a limited capacity, so it’s best to head there early in the day to grab a spot. It has a 5 USD entrance fee per car. Else, you can park at the nearby Kapi'olani Community College parking lot.

How to book tickets

If you’re not going in for one of the tours available online, the only way to purchase admission tickets for Diamond Head is on-site. You’ll find the ticket counter a little ahead of Diamond Head Crater parking.

Diamond Head information

Diamond Head

Address: Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Cost: 5 USD per car | 1 USD for pedestrians

Official website: Diamond Head

Department of tourism: Go Hawaii

Oahu: Diamond Head Crater Morning Adventure Hike

Duration: 3 hour

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